"To have an innovation and prototyping lab is a game changer," said Jan Baum, executive director of 3D Maryland.

Baum said small business and entrepreneurs can take advantage of the technology at 3D Maryland, which is housed in the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship. For example, the lab has a large-scale 3D printer that builds objects by layering them with plaster.

"From a full-color photograph, you can print in full color, so (the printout) obviously looks like a real photograph but looks real. It has the same skin color, lip color, etc.," Baum said.

Other businesses, like Under Armour, use 3D printing to create soles. Even medical professionals can create skulls or prosthetic ears.

Joel Witman, of SURVICE Metrology, came to the lab to display his work. He's using a laser to create a prototype.

"It's pretty neat to be able to see something, create it and send it to a 3D printer of whatever you've come up with," Witman said.

It's that innovation, Baum said, that will not only help Maryland become more competitive, but also help small businesses grow.

Those curious about 3D printing or who may want to get some hands-on experience can look forward to workshops to take place over the summer.